'LUMEX-ZOOM' OR 'MINIC ZOOM' Microscope

c. middle third, 20th Century

SIGNED: Lumex

SERIAL NUMBER: None

Origin: Made in Japan

DESCRIPTION:

The 'Lumex-Zoom' or 'Minic Zoom' microscope is a compact 3 x 3 1/4 x 3/4 inches in size. It came in a
cardboard box, orange on the outside and royal blue velour over cardboard inside.
In addition to the microscope, six prepared specimen slides for use with brightfield
(transmitted through-illumination) and a single blank white opaque slide (for opaque objects using reflected light
from the built-in illuminator), were included. A sheet of pre-printed instructions
explains how to use the microscope. On the bottom is the door for the battery
compartment opened by loosening a thumbscrew. On this is written the patent number '41.057690.' This patent number
is a bit of a mystery as I cannot locate any such number using a number of patent search engines.

The controls include a lever which
pushes the slide holder up, and when released the sprung holder keeps the slide in place. There is also a zoom control giving
magnifications from 70-200x and a focusing knob. There is also a light switch.

HISTORY OF THE LUMEX MICROSCOPES

I have not been able to come up with historical information on this instrument. If anyone has further information, please share it with me.